Cool Kid Summer Articles and News Stories

It’s the coolest summer ever where kids and families can experience new magic at Walt Disney World Resort. Where Captain Hook, Cruella and the villainess of villains herself, Maleficent—shine together on stage. Where the Little Mermaid makes a big splash under an even bigger, brighter spotlight. And where you can watch your summer dreams come to life as starlight descends into a dazzling nighttime parade filled with an all-star cast of Disney Characters.

Super special experiences for families are available for guests staying at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge this summer. These limited-time activities will join all the fun family happenings already available at Disney Resort hotels including nightly Disney movies.

And, just for Cool Kid Summer, see more favorite Characters at all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks!


Disney Springs Joins the Cool KIDS’ SUMMER Fun at Walt Disney World

Disney Springs is jumping into the Cool KIDS’ SUMMER celebration with a lineup of family activities, entertainment, and interactive fun running now through September 8 at Walt Disney World. And honestly, this might be one of the smartest things Disney could do during summer vacation season. Not every family wants to spend every second standing Disney Springs Joins the Cool KIDS’ SUMMER Fun at Walt Disney World

Cool KIDS’ SUMMER or Hot PARENTS’ SUMMER at Disney World?

Disney has done an absolutely masterful job marketing Cool KIDS’ SUMMER at Walt Disney World, so masterful, in fact, that they almost had us forgetting a very inconvenient truth: Orlando in the summer is brutally hot. Like, melt-your-Mickey-bar-before-you-unwrap-it hot. The marketing blitz has been nothing short of impressive, and when you pair that with a Cool KIDS’ SUMMER or Hot PARENTS’ SUMMER at Disney World?

What If Diamond Horseshoe at Magic Kingdom Became Character Dining?

Every once in a while, Disney rolls out something that feels less like a one-time offering and more like a test run for something bigger. This summer’s “Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue” at Magic Kingdom is one of those moments. Beginning May 16, 2026, The Diamond Horseshoe will temporarily end table-service dining in preparation for What If Diamond Horseshoe at Magic Kingdom Became Character Dining?

Affection Section Closing at Disney World Ahead of New Bluey Experience

Guests who plan to visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom this spring should take note: the popular Affection Section at Rafiki’s Planet Watch will be temporarily closed beginning February 23, 2026 through April 18, 2026 for refurbishment and changes related to a new experience coming later in the year. While Disney has confirmed the closure dates, Affection Section Closing at Disney World Ahead of New Bluey Experience

RUMOR: Is Disney Considering Closing Affection Section for Bluey?

A new rumor circulating among Walt Disney World fans is raising questions about the future of Affection Section at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. With Disney already confirming that a Bluey experience is coming to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, some guests are wondering whether behind-the-scenes changes could affect the nearby animal encounter. Affection Section is part of Rafiki’s RUMOR: Is Disney Considering Closing Affection Section for Bluey?